Man gives hitchhiker a lift home-and is shocked by the news the next day

 Amidst the depths of despair, a small spark of hope broke the tension that had built between them. They whispered about what it would be like "when this is over," as if imagining life beyond the chaos. "Maybe one day we'll be able to live normal lives again," Carter said, his voice slightly uneasy as he tried to imagine a future where fear didn't constantly haunt their actions.Anchor nodded with a tired smile, his tone calm but hopeful. "Maybe one day we won't have to constantly look over our shoulders," he agreed, his words hanging heavy in the air. It was a fragile hope, easily shattered, but it was one they needed to hold on to, even if only for a moment, in the face of uncertainty.